Article Comments - 2009 Pontiac Vibe First Drive

6 messages, Last post on Mar 11, 2008 at 7:32 AM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac Vibe, Wagon

First Drive: 2009 Pontiac Vibe - First Impressions: Subtly changed, yet still a clever wagon that packs big utility in a small package. (more)

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#2 of 6 I wish I knew why black by irismg Feb 12, 2008 (5:08 pm)
The gauges look great, but gosh. Picking a car these days is like picking a husband - you're just not going to find one that's got everything you want in him/it! Every interior is black these days. I see an aftermarket in hibiscus seatcovers just to add some color and contrast in there. Never thought I'd pine for beige so much. Pontiac's version has ALWAYS been the better looking of the Matrix twins, even though Matrix now no longer has that ridiculous indentation in the door, Pontiac still cuts the better profile. Now I guess the question is, how does Vibe compare to Nissan's Versa (which does offer lighter interior)? Also, I notice the article doesn't mention a THING about the sound system! These things ARE important, too! These are merely MY observations, thought I'd weigh in. By the way, the steel blue, a new color, is drool-worthy! Replies to this message: altimadude00 (Mar 06, 2008 11:04 am) zombietom3 (Mar 06, 2008 4:28 pm) cryspy (Mar 08, 2008 9:20 pm)
#3 of 6 Re: I wish I knew why black [irismg] by altimadude00 Mar 06, 2008 (11:04 am)
Replying to: irismg (Feb 12, 2008 5:08 pm) I have to agree wit you about the black interiors. It works on some cars better than others. I think it works well in the Vibe's case. However, I test drove a Versa with a black interior recently and it showed dust quite obviously. The sound system in the Vibe (GT) is a 200-something watt Monsoon system with a subwoofer in the cargo area. It's available with XM radio and an aux jack. I'll be potentially cross-shopping the '09 Vibe with the Nissan Versa as well, and I've come up with some observations. The Vibe has more performance (again, the GT). The Vibe has a more usable trunk area in that the opening is wider at the bottom, the seats fold flat, there is a cargo management system, and the cargo floor is easier to clean then in the Versa. The Vibe has the same cargo capacity as the Versa. The Vibe's interior passenger measurements are virtually identical (except two inches more knee room in the rear of the Versa). The Vibe has disk brakes all around with standard ABS, the Versa has rear drums and ABS is extra. The Vibe has a 112V power plug and 12V socket, the Versa only has a single 12V. The Versa has a smaller turning circle. The Versa has better rear visibility. The Versa gets better fuel economy. The Versa has a rear seat center armrest. The Versa has a lower sticker price. For a long time, I was a Versa fan. But with the introduction of the Vibe, I've changed my mind. I think I've been seduced by the Vibe's looks (especially the red GT they have pictured). When they get to dealers in greater numbers, I'll have to take one out for a ride. Right now, the Versa's my second choice. I'm hoping the Vibe is better than just a looker. Replies to this message: zombietom3 (Mar 06, 2008 4:28 pm) cryspy (Mar 08, 2008 9:20 pm)
#4 of 6 Re: I wish I knew why black [altimadude00] by zombietom3 Mar 06, 2008 (4:28 pm)
Replying to: altimadude00 (Mar 06, 2008 11:04 am) Imo, the Versa looks great on many scores, most notably excluding that trapezoidal tapering of the hatch liftgate which limits cargo loading convenience and size. But some of the maintenance stories I've read on the forums have made me quite wary of this model. If I won one as a prize or received one as a gift I would love it for many years, but I don't think I'll be buying one. My choices have come down to the Vibe, which I like better but is 3" wider and a tighter fit in my small garage, and the Fit Sport. Haven't decided yet but not quite ready to plunk down the money anyway.
#5 of 6 Re: I wish I knew why black [altimadude00] by cryspy Mar 08, 2008 (9:20 pm)
Replying to: altimadude00 (Mar 06, 2008 11:04 am) My choice up till now had also been the Versa, but with the comments on different forum concerning the Versa i don't what to think anymore. I will like to know if someone here drove the 1.8 base Vibe with the autobox? Is it noisy? How does it behaves in all? Personally i would go for a manual gearbox but my wife is not very comfortable with it therefore i am interested in the auto.
#6 of 6 cvt? by nagatahawk Mar 11, 2008 (7:32 am)
I hate CVT, it is a cheap imitation of a real automatic transmission. The versa comes only with the CVT transmission. it is basically a belt with v pulleys. very dull. and the cars sounds dull it just droon on on on without changing gears. i hate it.